Students excel in hockey, studies

SEVEN scholarships were handed out Wednesday as the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association announced the annual awards for high school hockey players around the province.

Cassandra Szczepanski of River East Collegiate and Nolan Turnbull of Morden Collegiate were named winners of the Alexander Josephson Memorial Scholarships, each worth $2,000.

The Josephson scholarships are for graduating high school players/students, honouring the late St. John's-Ravenscourt School student and former high school hockey all-star who died in a car accident in 2005. The awards are given to male and female players demonstrating strong leadership and team play as well as a high scholastic standing and hard-working attitude.

Szczepanski was a WWHSHL all-star this season and named winner of her school's Coaches Award and Sports Person Award. She's also involved off the ice, including with the school's anti-bullying campaign, all the while keeping a 91 per cent average.

Turnbull was the Morden Thunder's team captain this season. He also participates in soccer and is involved in Big Brothers and Sisters while holding a 92 per cent average in his studies.

Another set of awards to male and female players/students, these on behalf of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends, were presented Wednesday to Kendra Johnston of Rivers and Shawn Bellin of Stonewall. Each was worth $1,000 and went to players/students exhibiting on-ice skills as well as leadership in both school and community.

Volunteer

In addition to playing on both the boys and girls hockey teams, Johnston also participated in volleyball, soccer, badminton and track and field in her school activities. She was a volunteer for the elementary school breakfast club and junior varsity soccer, while also serving on student council. Her average is 86 per cent this year.

Bellin, an assistant captain with the Stonewall Rams, was named the team's hardest-working forward. He also involves himself as a student leader in fundraisers and charity events, along with being a peer tutor and keeping an 90 per cent average.

The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum also sponsors a pair of awards, one the Ken (Friar) Nicholson Award for male players and the other the Sami Jo Small Award for females. Each was a $1,000 grant.

Szczepanski turned out to be a double winner on Wednesday, taking home the Sami Jo Small scholarship.

The MHSAA's final award on Wednesday went to Stephen McGregor of Kelvin, who was named winner of the D'Arcy Bain/Fred Stevenson Award and a $750 scholarship.

McGregor was assistant captain and named Kelvin's hardest-working player this season. He also plays football and runs cross-country and track, as well as participating in numerous school activities including the mentorship program, while maintaining a 92 per cent average.

The award is given on behalf of Bain, a local physiotherapist, to honour longtime St. John's-Ravenscourt School hockey coach Fred Stevenson.

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